The Magazine of Florida State University Panama City
2018
WE ARE #FSUPCstrong
WE ARE
#FSUPCstrong
FSU Panama City community, Like the rest of the Florida Panhandle, we have faced many challenges since Hurricane Michael. With every building at FSU Panama City damaged in some way, we have had to rebuild, reorganize and rethink the way we do business to ensure student success. Students, faculty and staff have faced many obstacles through this period. Many have lost their homes, businesses, places of worship, favorite attractions or loved ones, but they have come back to campus ready to begin again. This is a place that is near and dear to the hearts of each member of our Seminole family. Since on-campus classes resumed on Oct. 29, the Holley Atrium has been abuzz with conversation and the joy of getting back a part of an everyday routine. Students are glad to be back on campus, grateful for our presence in the community and ready to continue their academic journeys. Originally scheduled to hit mailboxes in midOctober, The Torch magazine was delayed because of the devistation in our community. We appreciate your patience and are excited to share with you our accomplishments and successes for the 2017-2018 academic year. This is a new beginning, and I know our community and the Seminole family will come back stronger and more resilient than ever before. We are #FSUPCstrong.
WAYS TO HELP DONATE FUNDS Donate to the Seminole Emergency Fund at give.fsu.edu/relief-pc. FSU has a general relief fund to benefit faculty, staff and students in times of crisis. The current goal is to assist victims of Hurricane Michael meet their essential needs. Donate to the Florida Disaster Fund at volunteerorida.org. Volunteer Florida distributes the Florida Disaster Fund to voluntary organizations actively engaged in food delivery and repairing and rebuilding homes, while offering financial assistance and other recoveryrelated services. Donate to the American Red Cross at redcross.org. The Red Cross responds to nearly 64,000 disasters a year nationwide, providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected. By making a charitable donation to the Red Cross, you are there for millions of people who face emergencies every year and help as they rebuild their lives.
DONATE BLOOD Find donation sites at oneblood.org/donate-now.
DONATE TIME Register with Volunteer Florida at volunteerorida.org. Register with Volunteer Florida to become a volunteer and help disaster response organizations in Florida.
Randy Hanna, Dean, FSU Panama City The College of Applied Studies
The Magazine of Florida State University Panama City
ENGINEERING our
FUTURE
{ page 8 }
2018
TEAM RENEGADE: From left to right, team members George Jones ’18, Dean Revell ’18, Emily Crews ’18, William Jones ’18, Jennifer Canaday ’18, team mentor and electrical engineering alumnus Christoper Crews ’12, and Kayla Cameron ’18 prepare to compete in the 2018 NASA University Student Launch competition. The competition challenges university-level students to design, build and launch a reusable rocket with a scientific or engineering payload to 1 mile above ground level.
4
TORCH
BLAST OFF: Team Renegade, comprised of six FSU Panama City electrical engineering students, received 11th place in the college and university division at the 2018 NASA University Student Launch held April 4-8 in Bragg Farms, Alabama. Competing against 45 universities from across the nation, Team Renegade’s rocket design received third place for the best-looking rocket. This is the second time FSU Panama City has participated in NASA Student Launch; Team Osceloa competed in 2012. Photo by Madison Revell
PC.FSU.EDU
5
TORCH The Magazine of Florida State University Panama City Fall 2018 | Vol. 25 FSU PANAMA CITY DEAN Randy Hanna, J.D., Ed.D., ’83
OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT STAFF Becky Kelly, Director of Advancement Mary Beth Lovingood, Director of Development Erin Chaffin, Marketing & Publications, ’13 Helen Johnson, Web Manager
8
Casey Lathem, Alumni & Special Events, ’12 ON THE COVER: Students and faculty from FSU Panama City’s engineering programs welcome the addition of a bachelor’s degree program in mechanical engineering and master’s degree program in systems engineering. The new majors, housed by the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, add to existing civil & environmental and electrical & computer engineering programs.
Erica Martin, Marketing & Special Events Michelle Roberson, Program Associate EDITOR & DESIGNER Erin Chaffin CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Erin Chaffin, Helen Johnson Becky Kelly, Erica Martin CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Andrew Wardlow and Office of Advancement Staff PUBLISHED BY The Hartley Press, Inc.
THE TORCH MAGAZINE is published once a year by the Office of Advancement at Florida State University Panama City. It is sent to alumni, donors, faculty, staff and the community. To be included in the mailing list, send your name and mailing address to torch@pc.fsu.edu. ADDRESS CHANGES Send address changes and cancellations to The Office of Advancement, Florida State University Panama City, 4750 Collegiate Dr., Panama City, FL 32405 torch@pc.fsu.edu
6
TORCH
FEATURES
20 IN THIS ISSUE 06
DEAN’S MESSAGE
14
2018 NEW ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
22
BECOMING LEADERS
GRIZZLY BREWS
New master’s program trains graduates for advancement in law enforcement
Entrepreneurship student pursues his life’s passion — coffee
B.S. Mechanical Engineering M.S. Systems Engineering M.S. Law Enforcement Intelligence 28
2017 NOTABLE ’NOLES
Ken Ayers,’03 Jim Dever,’03,’04 Chuck Perdue, ’04 Jody Walls,’92 39
SEMINOLE SIGHTINGS
A visual “who’s who” at the Annual Dinner, Golf Invitational and Let’s Do Brunch events 44
26
34
NEW PARTNERSHIPS
A DREAM COME TRUE
Connections expand academic opportunities for current and future students
Graduation marks the end of a 31-year journey to earn a bachelor’s degree
’NOLE NOTES
Updates from our alumni RAISE THE TORCH The CAMPAIGN for FLORIDA STATE
36
42
THE FRESHMAN EXPERIENCE
10 MILLION REASONS TO CELEBRATE
A look a what it’s like to be a freshman at FSU Panama City
Commemorating the successful conclusion of the Raise the Torch Campaign PC.FSU.EDU
7
THE DEAN’S MESSAGE This has been yet another year to celebrate at FSU Panama City. With the $10 million Raise the Torch campaign behind us, we have seen tremendous growth and improvements to better serve our students and the surrounding community. This year, we have continued to expand our academic programs, adding a bachelor’s degree program in mechanical engineering and master’s degree programs in law enforcement intelligence and systems engineering. With new programs, we have welcomed new faculty who bring years of experience, research and skills to our students. We have partnered with area state colleges to streamline the transition from college to university and added transfer scholarship opportunities. We also welcomed our largest freshman class in campus history. Like our transfer students, these bright young minds were the top of their class with a fresh energy and a desire to learn. To enhance student life, we are collaborating with Gulf Coast State College on student activities and services. The Seminole-Commodore Alliance will bring more value to an FSU ID, offering more than 50 shared student organizations, a shared counseling center and expanded intramural sports options. With each of these improvements, students are better able to combine classroom knowledge with budding friendships and interests that will last a lifetime. They will be able to better illustrate the strength, skill and character Florida State values and expects from its entire Seminole family. Whether you are a student, faculty, staff, alumni or a friend of this campus, I hope you see it as a privilege to call yourself a Seminole. On behalf of Florida State University Panama City, I thank you for being a part of our Seminole family.
Randy Hanna, Dean, FSU Panama City The College of Applied Studies 8
TORCH
PC.FSU.EDU
9
10
TORCH
IN DEMAND
ENGINEERING PROGRAMS DEVELOPED IN RESPONSE TO LOCAL WORKFORCE NEEDS by:
Erica Martin
F
SU Panama City was founded upon a dedication to students from the surrounding region and innovation. Throughout the campus’ 36-year history, one discipline has evolved while remaining a forerunner in student and industry interest: engineering. This fall, FSU Panama City added two engineering programs: a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in systems engineering. The new
majors, housed by the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, add to existing civil, environmental, electrical and computer engineering programs. “These new programs are coming to FSU Panama City because of the strong demand from local industry and support from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering,” FSU Panama City Dean Randy Hanna said. “With community partners, such as the Navy base, Tyndall and GKN, our students will have unlimited options.”
HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE: A FSU mechanical engineering student in the lab. FSU Panama City added an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering and master’s degree in systems engineering beginning fall 2018.
PC.FSU.EDU
11
“We are unique in that many engineering opportunities are right here. The new programs offer a lot of collaborative opportunities with bachelor’s-level majors working with one another and all having the option to continue with their education to become great systems engineers.” — Geoffrey Brooks, Ph.D., electrical engineering faculty
“We have been told many times by the community that there is a need for trained engineers to fuel the planned growth of the community,” said Murray Gibson, Ph.D., dean of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. “We can address that need by expanding our highly-ranked programs through FSU Panama City.” With government officials threatening to close the local Navy base in the 1970s, community members rallied to establish a senior-level higher-education facility in Bay County. The University of West Florida Center opened in 1972, and Florida State took over management of the campus in 1982.
12
TORCH
Since then, the campus has flourished, developing programs that enhance the military mission and civilian enterprises. “FSU Panama City offers a diverse selection of STEM majors that have a growing demand locally and nationwide,” Hanna said. “We look forward to continuing to develop new programs based on the region’s changing needs.” New international manufacturing and tech companies establishing plants in and around Bay County will add hundreds of high-tech jobs. As the industry flourishes, engineering students will have access to more internships and research
opportunities with area businesses, defense contractors and military bases. They also will have more real-world engineering challenges ideal for senior design projects. “Experiential education is vital to an engineering degree,” Gibson noted. Senior design projects, a graduation requirement for all undergraduate engineering majors, allow students to collaborate with alumni and area industry leaders to prepare them for hands-on challenges. “I think it is important to invest in current students and the growth of the program,” said Cliff Wilson, an alumnus who has mentored several senior design projects. “Each day is an opportunity to add value to those around you.” Wilson, who was part of FSU Panama City’s inaugural graduating class of civil engineering students in 2005, previously served as deputy secretary and secretary for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. He was named a Notable ’Nole in 2015.
LEARNING THOUGH LABS: Mechanical engineering faculty member Azize Akcayoglu, Ph.D., shows student Toni Weaver how to use the equipment in the mechanical engineering lab.
“The program was just starting, and I greatly enjoy charting new territory in all that I do,” he said.
ENGINEERS: Students and faculty from the different engineering programs offered at Florida State University Panama City including civil & environmental, electrical & computer, mechanical and systems. PC.FSU.EDU
13
IN THE CLASSROOM: Systems engineering instructor Daniel Georgiadis, Ph.D., gives a lecture to his class in person and via ITV to students in Tallahassee.
“[Civil engineering] was very broad and allowed for the most options post-graduation. The industry was booming at the time, and was a great background to have.”
another and all having the option to continue with their education to become great systems engineers.”
While curriculum offers a broad understanding of engineering principals, the projects help students learn more about specific areas and gauge interest in various specialties.
The FAMU-FSU mechanical engineering program teaches contemporary engineering practices for developing products from concept to the marketplace. Courses focus on thermal and fluid systems, mechanical systems, mechanics and materials, dynamic systems, and engineering design.
Michael Wojcik, project lead for a 2015 senor design project, said the experience helped prepare him for the demands of his future career. “It has helped us with working through the process of arriving to a design from an open-ended need of a customer,” the electrical engineering alumnus said. “This class has greatly helped us with public presentation skills, time management skills and team management skills.” Benefiting from small classes, focused attention and strong ties to local industry, students within each discipline are geared for success,” Electrical Engineering Instructor Geoffrey Brooks, Ph.D., said. “We are unique in that many engineering opportunities are right here,” he said. “The new programs offer a lot of collaborative opportunities with bachelor’s-level majors working with one 14
TORCH
NEW PROGRAMS
The Tallahassee program, which has existed more than 30 years, admits about 100 students each year. FSU Panama City can accept a similar cohort of students, with 10 enrolled in the first year. “Mechanical engineering is the largest engineering major nationwide, and is in demand because mechanical systems are involved in products in almost every arena, from aircraft to cellphones,” Gibson said. Locally, the prospect of the undergraduate program was essential in courting aerospace company GKN. The international company announced in 2017 that it would open a manufacturing facility in Bay County. The lure of an educated local workforce from FSU
Panama City and Gulf Coast State College was essential for the company, said Becca Hardin, president of the Bay Economic Development Alliance.
NEW ENGINEERING FACULTY
“We would never have been in the GKN game if we hadn’t had the full support of our educational institutions,” she said. “This program is a game-changing effort; it sets us apart from a lot of competition in many ways.” The graduate-level systems engineering program integrates engineering disciplines with industrial and management practices. Students will learn to effectively design and manage complex technical systems, such as integrating tasks to build a new military weapons system or to optimize the efficiency of a retailer’s product distribution system. The FAMU-FSU Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering and FSU Panama City developed the program with support from the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD). “NSWC PCD employs nearly 900 scientists and engineers, many of whom would like the opportunity to advance their education,” said NSWC PCD Technical Director Ed Stewart. “Partnering with a prestigious university like Florida State University Panama City right here in our own community makes perfect sense as we collaborate to develop scientists and engineers to meet challenges of tomorrow’s warfighters.” “They have been extremely helpful in designing a curriculum that meets the market needs,” Gibson said.
Azize Akcayoglu, Ph.D. First female resident engineering faculty Research specialties: thermal-fluid sciences, hazardous gas dispersion, river and highway bridge failures and renewable energies
Damion D. Dunlap, Ph.D. First African American resident engineering faculty Research specialties: motion planning problems in predictive dynamic system models
Using the Navy’s expertise, the program initially will focus on marine systems. Courses eventually will grow into other specialized areas to meet a broader market. All coursework will be taught exclusively at FSU Panama City. Students can attend classes remotely from Tallahassee. “We are excited to expand collaboration with FSU Panama City and the community,” Gibson said. “When we looked at where there would be growth in engineering opportunities in Florida, Northwest Florida was a natural choice.” “Bay County is home to many growing industries, which offer the opportunity for experiential learning for our students,” Hanna said. “This region needs these engineering programs, and we are glad to serve that need while looking forward to the future educational needs of the area.”
Daniel Georgiadis, Ph.D. FSU PC alumni, B.S. ’05 Industry expert in systems engineering who previously served as a practitioner in civil service with the U.S. Navy and within the industry
PC.FSU.EDU
15
16
TORCH
2018 NEW ACADEMIC PROGRAM
FAMU-FSU COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Managed by the world-renowned FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, the mechanical engineering program at FSU Panama City is part of a leading academic institution with excellent records of achievement in research and public service. It is designed with the students’ success in mind. With class sizes averaging fewer than 12, students benefit from a personal teaching environment and individual attention. The program is designed to provide a background for a wide variety of careers, with an emphasis on an appropriate mix of thermal science, mechanics and materials, dynamic systems and design. The undergraduate program is designed to impart a broad knowledge in basic and engineering sciences and to provide a solid understanding of contemporary engineering practices. Graduates will have a foundation in communications skills, principles of economics and other fundamentals upon which they will draw in their professional careers.
“We are excited to expand collaboration with FSU Panama City and the community. When we looked at where there would be growth in engineering opportunities in Florida, Northwest Florida was a natural choice.” — FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Dean Murray Gibson, Ph.D.
ABET-ACCREDITED Certified by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc., a non-governmental organization that accredits post-secondary education programs in applied and natural sciences.
CAREER FIELDS Basic engineering, energy conversion, energy resources, materials and structures, manufacturing, computer engineering, design engineering, systems and design
10 students enrolled for fall 2018
PC.FSU.EDU
17
18
TORCH
2018 NEW ACADEMIC PROGRAM
FAMU-FSU COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
SYSTEMS ENGINEERING FSU Panama City’s systems engineering program integrates engineering disciplines with industrial and management practices. Graduates design and manage complex technical systems and processes throughout their life cycles. Housed under the Department of Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, the program is part of a leading academic institution with excellent records of achievement in research and public service. The program combines engineering principles with a systems perspective to give students the confidence and skills necessary to lead complex engineering projects.
“It takes the whole envelope of engineering from cradle to grave and encompasses it into a lifecycle engineering degree that we call systems engineering.” — FSU Panama City Systems Engineering Program Daniel Georgiadis, Ph.D.
CAREER FIELDS Systems engineers are highly valued in industry because their skills complement those in traditional engineering fields. This allows for a flexible career path, as systems engineering expertise is sought by a wide range of industries such as healthcare, defense, communications, aerospace, government, transportation, finance, and more.
11
students enrolled for fall 2018, 10 are from the Panama City Naval Systems Warfare Center. The program takes two years to complete, and classes are designed for students who have full-time careers.
PC.FSU.EDU
19
20
TORCH
2018 NEW ACADEMIC PROGRAM
COLLEGE OF APPLIED STUDIES
LAW ENFORCEMENT INTELLIGENCE FSU Panama City began a new master’s degree program in law enforcement intelligence this fall. The Master of Science in law enforcement intelligence draws graduate students from a diverse background of experience and undergraduate degree programs. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for entry-, supervisory- and command-level positions within local, state and federal agencies with intelligence divisions or missions.
“This program is an asset to students locally and throughout the nation. Our bachelor’s program in public safety and security has grown recently to add new specialties and draw students from around the country. Expanding to the master’s degree level, we can provide students with the research and management skills necessary to excel in their fields.” — FSU Panama City Dean Randy Hanna
DISTANCE LEARNING
The master’s in law enforcement intelligence is offered online (distance learning) only.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, military recruitment, as well as in civilian security agencies and private businesses.
10
The first cohort of students includes a Georgia Army lieutenant, two Florida Air Force personnel, a Broward County Sheriff’s Office employee, a student from New York and five local students.
PC.FSU.EDU
21
PREPARING STUDENTS TO BECOME LEADERS NEW MASTER’S PROGRAM TRAINS GRADUATES FOR ADVANCEMENT WITHIN LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES by:
Erica Martin
F
rom terrorism to trafficking, financial crimes to street crimes, FSU Panama City new master’s degree program in law enforcement intelligence prepares graduates from any educational or professional background for advancement within law enforcement agencies, the government or private firms. The program, which includes online coursework and a semester-long research-based project, welcomed its first cohort of 10 students this fall. “The significance of this program is founded upon providing well-educated and trained intelligence data analysts to public safety agencies at all levels from local to federal and to domestic and international corporations that depend on the acquisition and evaluation of information to protect their integrity,” said Tom Kelley, Ph.D., public safety and security faculty member. “The curriculum is designed to enhance the investigative skills of our students ultimately reducing the amount of preparation our graduates will need once they enter the work force.” The new master’s program provides students with advanced skills in evaluating intelligence functions through online coursework in criminal justice, economics, political science and military science. The program is designed to prepare students for entry-, supervisory- and command-level positions within local, state and federal agencies with intelligence divisions or missions. A semester-long project with a law enforcement agency provides hands-on management experience. “We’re preparing students to be the leaders in this discipline,” said Banyon Pelham, public safety &
22
TORCH
security instructor. “While the main foundation of this program is integrative and flexible, it also provides applied experience for students who will learn from faculty who have direct professional experience in the law enforcement intelligence arena.” “Competent instructors have always known you learn by doing,” said John Andrews, J.D., teaching faculty for the master’s program. “Our instructors have worked in the intelligence community and are familiar with core competencies deemed essential for intelligence analysts. We know by our experience what students need to know to succeed as a professional practitioner and we see our job as ensuring they get what they need to succeed.” Faculty have been working about two years to develop the program, which draws students from any academic or professional background.
WEDNESDAY
December
12 6:30 P.M. LOCATION
The A. Crawford Mosley High School Gretchen Nelson Scott Fine Arts Center TICKETS
Free to the public openingnights.fsu.edu
GRIZZLY BREW COFFEE ENTHUSIAST BLENDS THE PERFECT BREW by:
Erica Martin
A
ntonio Lopez was born to become an entrepreneur.
At age 5, he transformed his bedroom into a town with a Winn-Dixie in one corner and a McDonald’s
24
TORCH
in another. Always eager to please his customers, he later decided his guests needed more eating options, erecting a Burger King on another side of the room to give the McDonald’s a little competition. “When other kids my age were outside playing sports or getting into trouble I was begging my mother for a cash register,” he said. “In the little town in my room, I helped my customers get groceries, dinner, and hoped to charm them with my smile to brighten their day.”
COMMITTED TO QUALITY: Commercial entrepreneurship student Antonio Lopez began Grizzly Brew Coffee in fall 2017 as part of a class project. The company blends coffee beans from around the globe to emphasize the unique flavors of each bean’s origin without the typical bitter or harsh-tasting qualities some coffee-drinkers mask with cream and sugar.
PC.FSU.EDU
25
“It’s the creative journey, the thrill of risk in the unknown, the excitement of success or even the perseverance of failure that all keep you motivated to keep reaching for more. It’s kind of like having a newborn. Sometimes you just want a break, but you realize that it won’t grow without your care and support. Growth is all you really want.” — Antonio Lopez, commercial entrepreneurship
Now a commercial entrepreneurship major at FSU Panama City, Lopez owns a business that has a real product and real customers; Grizzly Brew Coffee opened in fall 2017. The company blends coffee beans from around the globe to emphasize the unique flavors of each bean’s origin without the typical bitter or harsh-tasting qualities some coffee-drinkers mask with cream and sugar. “For us at Grizzly Brew, we wanted flavorful coffees from start to finish without needing to add anything,” he said. “Our consumers have fallen in love with this idea. Our biggest review/compliment is the smoothness we’ve achieved and how they can drink coffee black when they had never been able to.” A self-proclaimed coffee addict, Lopez knew his competition would be fierce. Rather than starting a traditional coffee shop, he turned to perfecting the product, aiming to become a household name for an excellent brew. After researching and field-testing different blend options, he narrowed his offerings to four crowd favorites: his most popular blend, the dark-roast McAdams Espresso Blend; medium roasts, the Mountain Blend and Hibernation Evacuation; and a light roast, Bear-ly Roasted.
26
TORCH
“This was a great place to start because it’s small and manageable as a student yet also scalable if done correctly,” he said. “I’ll admit, even to me it sounded wild at first but that goes back to that entrepreneurial question: How can I take something that’s been done, and done well, and make it even better? We did it!” Since mixing and grinding beans by hand and delivering coffee in person or at local farmers markets, Lopez has expanded to catering events and shipping his blends across the U.S. Customers can buy their favorite blends by the bag or through a monthly subscription service. In October, he began selling his brews and other coffee-related products at FSU Panama City in conjunction with Cahall’s Deli. His dream is to eventually own his own brick-and-mortar coffee shop that would offer cold brews, iced coffees and food pairings to enhance the brand experience. Grizzly Brew is projected to total $10,000 in sales in its first year of business. “Antonio is one of those students that come along
and set themselves apart by their drive and dedication to their education,” said entrepreneur and mentor Jim Dever, Ph.D. “He brought a burning desire to succeed as well as a maturity that our best students seem to possess.” Anyone can become an entrepreneur, but a successful business owner takes action to solve a problem, Entrepreneur in Residence Brian Baber said. “Most often, the problem involves a solution where the entrepreneur can create a niche that will ultimately be their competitive advantage,” he said. “It does take dedication to one’s dreams, and that includes hard work, goalsetting, paying attention to every little detail and
close attention to the industry into which they are going,” Dever noted. “This includes knowing what your competitors are doing, thinking and planning as well as offering the absolute best product or service and giving top-notch customer service.” Through the entrepreneurship program, students create a business from scratch, from brainstorming ideas to developing business plans and budgets. Coursework also covers law and ethics. Other businesses from the program’s inaugural cohort included a talent agency and a T-shirt line with custom artwork. For Lopez, owning a business offers excitement and a break from the routine of a traditional 9 to 5. “It’s the creative journey, the thrill of risk in the unknown, the excitement of success or even the perseverance of failure that all keep you motivated to keep reaching for more,” he said. “It’s kind of like having a newborn. Sometimes you just want a break, but you realize that it won’t grow without your care and support. Growth is all you really want.” Owning a business might seem uncertain, he said, but starting small allows you to test the product without big risk. “You don’t have to be rich to start a business,” Lopez said. “My whole life I’ve always said, ‘If I had money, I’d start a business.’ The same amount of money that it took me to get Grizzly Brew where it is today I have spent on a concert ticket in the past.”
To purchase Grizzly Brew Coffee, visit grizzlybrewcoffee.com.
PC.FSU.EDU
27
FORGING PARTNERSHIPS “Collaborations help us expand opportunities for our students. Partnerships with our community colleges, K-12 and local industry leaders mean more options for our students and our community.” — FSU Panama City Dean Randy Hanna
During the 2017-2018 fiscal year, FSU Panama City developed partnerships with area state colleges, military groups and K-12 programs to further enhance academic opportunities for current and future students.
THREE
NEW CONNECT PROGRAM PARTNERSHIPS Connect to FSU Panama City guarantees admission to FSU Panama City with an AA from one of our partner colleges: Gulf Coast State College, Northwest Florida State College and Pensacola State College.
800+
ATTENDED INVENTION CONVENTION The inaugural event was a collaboration between FSU Panama City, Gulf Coast State College, Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division and Bay District Schools to introduce students to the world of STEM through demonstrations and learning opportunities.
Photo by Joshua Boucher / The News Herald
28
TORCH
50+
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS THROUGH THE SEMINOLECOMMODORE ALLIANCE The new partnership between FSU Panama City and Gulf Coast State College grants students free access to clubs and events at either campus, counseling services, intramural sports, the student gym, free music and theater performances and more.
PC.FSU.EDU
29
NOTABLE
’NOLES HONORING OUR OUTSTANDING ALUMNI by:
Erica Martin
F
SU Panama City recognized four outstanding alumni for their continued commitment to education as part of a 20-year campus Homecoming tradition.
Retired Air Force Maj. Kenneth Ayers Jr., entrepreneur and FSU business instructor James Dever, Ph.D., Bay County Tax Collector Chuck Perdue and Chief Deputy Clerk Jody Walls were named the 2017 Notable ’Noles. The award is given to FSU Panama City alumni who demonstrated excellence as students and have made outstanding contributions to the community and within their careers. Since the award’s inception in 1996, FSU Panama City has recognized 71 Notable ’Noles, accounting for less than 1 percent of the campus’s alumni.
30
TORCH
KEN AYERS, ’03 Ken Ayers, a retired major from the U.S. Air Force who served in Desert Storm, earned a specialist degree in mathematics education in 2003. A lifelong learner, he returned to FSU Panama City to study electrical engineering, serving as a representative of the Student Government Council, then a FSU PC Senator in Tallahassee and SGC president. Ayers is a legacy Seminole whose grandmother, Francis Mildred Hubert, graduated from the Florida State College for Women in 1933. “My father is a link in a chain of FSU ’Noles,” his son, Kenneth Ayers III, wrote in his nomination. “His most important achievement however has been successfully raising my sister and myself as a single father and helping us both to become FSU alumni.” Kenneth Ayers III earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science, and Kelly Ayers earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from FSU Panama City. Ken Ayers Jr. also funded a $25,000 endowed scholarship for FSU Panama City students in honor of his children. Ayers is a lifetime member of the FSU Alumni Association and sits on the board of the Panama City Area Seminole Club. He continues to focus on students as a member of the FSU Panama City Development Board, sponsoring golf tournament teams and Annual Dinner tables for students. While in the Air Force, Ayers was named Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Cadet of the Year. He earned three Meritorious Service Medals, one Air Medal, three Air Force Commendation Medals, a National Defense Service Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. He is a lifetime member of the VFW. He also is an avid diver, serving as past president of FSU Panama City’s SHARC dive club and a member of the Panama City Dive Club. PC.FSU.EDU
31
JIM DEVER, ’03, ’04 James “Jim” Dever, Ph.D., retired as a successful entrepreneur at the age of 41. At age 50, he returned to college in 2001 to earn the degree he never completed in the 1960s. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business and an MBA from FSU Panama City, earning the Fulbright Scholars Award for a research proposal on entrepreneurship in the former Soviet Union. After earning his Ph.D. in entrepreneurship from the University of Stathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2009, he began teaching business courses at FSU Tallahassee. He was instrumental in establishing the entrepreneurship program at FSU and developed sophomore-level courses to encourage an early start to the program. “Jim has been instrumental in putting FSU on the map with regard to entrepreneurship,” FSU Panama City Computer Science Instructor Steve Leach, Ph.D., wrote in his nomination letter. “He has maintained close ties with the Panama City campus, teaching courses on our campus and fostering our participation in this promising field of study.” Dever also founded the Summer Institute of Entrepreneurship in Panama City, has taught through FSU’s International Programs in London and served as a visiting professor of entrepreneurship at the University of Stathclyde Business School. He is active within the community, serving through organizations such as the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Panama City Beach Civil Service Board, YMCA Board of Directors and the Bay County Hotel Association. He also has served as the International Vice President and on the Board of Directors for Optimist International. “Jim has set a fine example of two things: It is never too late to further one’s education, and one person can make a difference,” Leach wrote. 32
TORCH
CHUCK PERDUE, ’04 Bay County Tax Collector Chuck Perdue credits his accounting degree from FSU Panama City with his success. Combining his education with his corporate and private business experience, he has implemented best business practices to improve customer service, technology and professionalism to better serve Bay County citizens. Convinced he could improve the efficiency of the Tax Collector’s Office, he campaigned with an enthusiasm for customer service, knocking on over 10,000 doors, raising more than $100,000 in campaign funds and attending more than 100 local events. “As one of only five state constitutional officers serving in Bay County, Chuck is representing the Seminole Nation well,” his wife, Charla Perdue, wrote in his nomination. “He is dedicated to his work and credits his accounting degree from FSU Panama City as the foundation of his subsequent success.” Perdue earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2004 and a master’s degree in taxation from Troy University in 2016. He is vice president of operations for Skinner Tax Consulting and a partner in the local CPA firm Perdue, Skinner and Nixon. He has 20 years of experience as an enrolled agent representing Fortune 500 companies on complex penalties and interest matters before the IRS. “Chuck is one of only a handful of people in the United States who specialize in a unique area of tax,” Charla Perdue said. “Not many people can say they audit the IRS, and Chuck has been very successful and a leader in this field.” Perdue is an active member of St. Andrew Baptist Church, serving as a deacon. He also has served on the board for the Boys and Girls Club and was a founding member and former treasurer for the North Bay Haven Baseball Boosters. PC.FSU.EDU
33
JODY WALLS, ’92 Jody Walls, who earned her bachelor’s degree in communication in 1992 while working full time, has focused on education and serving this community as chief deputy clerk for the Clerk of Court and Comptroller of Bay County. She has served on the Bay Arts Alliance Board of Directors, the Bay District Schools Oversight/Building Committee, Bay County and Lynn Haven Centennial planning committees, United Way of Northwest Florida Communications Committee, United Cerebral Palsy Board of Directors and Florida SchoolTo-Work state-level leadership team. She also is a graduate of the Bay County Chamber’s Leadership Bay program and is active with the Bay Education Foundation, earning the 25th anniversary Silver Apple Award for her role as a student mentor and a founder of the Arts Alive fundraiser. Walls also was instrumental in helping establish and raise funds for the Alisa Kinsaul Memorial Scholarship at FSU Panama City. “Jody has a servant’s heart and has spent her professional life giving back to the community she has lived in,” Tanya Deal wrote in her nomination. “She is deserving of the Notable ’Nole distinction as she is simply one of those people who make Bay County a better place to live in.” Nominate a Notable ’Nole Criteria: • Demonstration of excellence and dedication while attending FSU Panama City. • Contributions/involvement in their community. • Professional/career accomplishment after graduation. Visit pc.fsu.edu/alumni-giving/ notable-noles to nominate a FSU Panama City graduate as a Notable ‘Nole.
34
TORCH
The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection
Coming to FSU Panama City in 2020
4750 Collegiate Dr. Panama City, FL 32407
pc.fsu.edu
A DREAM COME TRUE GRADUATION MARKS THE END OF A 31-YEAR JOURNEY TO EARN A BACHELOR’S DEGREE by:
Becky Kelly
A
36
hold before finishing as she had her first child.
s Clorinda “Faye” Hines crossed the stage during the FSU Panama City 2018 spring commencement ceremony, tears came to her eyes. For the social science interdisciplinary major, graduation marked the end of a 31-year journey to earn her bachelor’s degree.
After she and her first husband moved to Fayetteville, Ga., she picked up her studies at Fayetteville Technical Community College, earning her A.A. in 1994. Hines and her son eventually moved back to Panama City, where she re-enrolled in GCSC to begin her second A.A. in pre-elementary education.
Hines, who is from Panama City and a Mosley High School graduate, was the first in her family to attend college. “I always wanted to be a college graduate,” she said. “My mom and step dad wanted all their children to go to college.”
Working full time and raising her son as a single mother made it difficult for Hines to focus on her studies. She remarried, had two more children and began working for the Panama City Police Department in administrative services. Life was busy and full, and her studies took a back seat.
She began her academic journey at Gulf Coast State College, then a community college, where she spent three years working toward her A.A. Plans were put on
She finally earned her second A.A. in 2009 and began working toward her bachelor’s degree at FSU Panama City in 2010.
TORCH
“It has been a dream come true to graduate from a university I have always loved. It’s so awesome to call myself an FSU graduate.” — Faye Hines ’18, social science interdisciplinary
After realizing the demands of the elementary education program, she changed her major to social science interdisciplinary, which offered the flexibility to still go into teaching without the obligation of a full-time internship. However, the rigors of schoolwork coupled with her struggle with test anxiety took their toll on Hines. When the family experienced the loss of her father-in-law in 2017, she once again questioned whether or not she should continue. “I struggled and wanted to quit because it was so hard,” Hines said. Through it all, her faith and family gave her the motivation to continue. “I wanted to be an example to my children to complete what they start,” she said. “Seeing my oldest son graduate from FSU in 2015 ignited me to stay on track with my classes until I finished.” Her family, friends and church community increased their support. Her sister encouraged her to keep going and talk to her professors to explain what was going on. Her women’s group at church and her husband prayed continuously for her. Her co-workers at the Police Department urged her to continue.
sacrifices in the process. This has been a dream of hers, and now it’s a reality.” Now with her degree, Hines said she is excited about the future and is looking forward to becoming a teacher. “That’s what I love: to see kids learning,” she said, “I want to be their encourager, to help them persevere.” “I’m very proud of my mother for graduating college,” son Javien Elliott said. “Once she made up her mind to accomplish that, she realized that anything worth having isn’t going to come easy. It’s a blessing for her to be an inspiration for others and know that it doesn’t matter how long it takes, but once you want it bad enough it can be done.” Looking back on graduation day, Hines recalls the overwhelming emotion she felt crossing the stage with her family in the audience. Her mission was finally accomplished. “It has been a dream come true to graduate from a university I have always loved,” Hines said. “It’s so awesome to call myself an FSU graduate.” TEARS IN HER EYES: Social science interdisciplinary alumna Faye Hines never gave up on her education. She walked the stage during spring commencement on May 6. Photo by Grad Images
“Some nights I slept alone because she was determined to achieve her degree,” her husband, James Hines, said. “She was up all night working on her studies and then she went to an eight-hour job the same morning. I wasn’t going to discourage her. She made a lot of PC.FSU.EDU
37
F SU PC > THE FIRST YEAR
EXPERIENCE
This summer and fall, FSU Panama City welcomed its largest freshman class of more than 70 students. Thanks in part to the Seminole Pathways program, these students have the opportunity to continue their education at either the Panama City or Tallahassee campuses, removing a barrier to the college application process. More than 225 freshman have begun their educational journey at FSU Panama City since the lower division program began in 2013. WELCOME NEW ’NOLES: Above: current FSU Panama City students welcome freshmen to campus. At left: Students participate in a beach ball icebreaker game during new student orientation on June 1.
38
TORCH
VOLUNTEERS: At left and above, freshmen took time to volunteer at Girls Inc. of Bay County with LEAD Coalition of Bay County at Everitt Middle School on June 27.
FRESHMAN CONVOCATION: At right, center, first time in college students for the spring and fall semesters sign a commemorative book marking the beginning of their journey as FSU Panama City students. Below, incoming freshmen are honored at Freshman Convocation held Sunday, August 26.
PC.FSU.EDU
39
FUN AND GAMES: At right and above, freshmen play table hockey, pool and video games at Freshman Game Night held June 24. Students participated in “Welcome Back Bowling” on August 28. Below: Students kicked off the summer semester with a trip to Shell Island on June 29.
40
TORCH
SEMINOLE SIGHTINGS 1. Jim Dever, Fay Dever, FSU President John Thrasher, Mary Beth Lovingood, Patti Butchikas and Gus Butchikas 2. Gloria Skinner, Robert Colbert, Karen Colbert, Charla Perdue, Chuck Perdue, Larry Basford 3. Judy and Bob Fleming 4. Molly Johnson, Ty Johnson, Joe Sorci, Antonio Adessi, John Mercer, Marilyn Daniels, Herman Daniels, 5. Stacey and Banyon Pelham 6. Evan Sarantos, Curtis Gilbert, Ken Ayers, Michael Kirke, Wyatt Lewis 7. Alex Hall, Justine Powell, Casey Lathem
ANNUAL DINNER E D G E WAT E R B E AC H R ES O RT O CTO B E R 17, 20 17
2 nnual nnual A A nnu A nnual nnual nnual nnual D D inner inner A A A D in nnual nnual nnual nnual nnual D D D D inner inner inner inner A A A A D D D inner inner inner D inner Dinner nnual nn ADinner nnual ADnnual A Di nnual inner A A 3 Dinner 4 D inner nnual nnual nnual nnual A A AAADA D inner D inner D inner inner nnual nnual nnual D inner D D inner inner 5 6 7 FSU FSU FSU FSU PANAMA PANAMA PANAMA PANAMA CIT CIT CIT CIT YYYY
1
FSU FSU PANA PANA
FSU FSU FSU PANAMA FSU PANAMA PANAMA PANAMA CITCIT CIT YCIT YY Y
FSU FSU FSU PANAMA PANAMA PANAMA CITCIT YCIT YCIT Y Y FSU PANAMA
SU PANAMA CIT Y
Thank Thank Thank Thank you you you you tototo our to our our our sponsors sponsors sponsors sponsors and and and and supporters supporters supporters supporters for for for for your your your your commitment commitment commitment commitment to to to our to our our our students students students students and and and and community community community community Thank you to our sponsors Thank you to our sponsors and an FSU PANAMA CIT Y FSU P commitment to our student commitment to our studen Thank Thank Thank Thank youyou to you you our totoour tosponsors our our sponsors sponsors sponsors andand and supporters and supporters supporters supporters for for your forfor your your your FSU PANAMA CIT Y commitment commitment commitment commitment to our totoour tostudents our our students students students andand and community and community community community GOLD GOLD GOLD GOLD TABLE TABLE TABLE TABLE SPONSORS SPONSORS SPONSORS SPONSORS Thank Thank Thank you you toyou our toyou to our sponsors our sponsors sponsors andand supporters and supporters supporters for your for for your your Thank to our sponsors and supporters for your sponsors and supporters for your FSU PANAMA CIT Y SPO GOLD GOLDTABLE TABLESPON commitment commitment commitment to our to to our students our students students and and community and community community commitment to our students and community our students and community FSU PANAMA CIT Y Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. James James James James GOLD GOLD GOLD TABLE GOLD TABLE TABLE SPONSORS TABLE SPONSORS SPONSORS SPONSORS
Dr. Dr. James James
Cook Cook Cook Cook III III III III
Thank you to our sponsors and supporters for your Dr.Dr. James Dr. Dr. James James James commitment to ourCIT students and community FSU YY LD TABLE SPONSORS FSU PANAMA PANAMA CIT
Thank to our sponso FSU PANAMA CIT Y Cook III GOLD GOLD TABLE GOLD TABLE SPONSORS TABLE SPONSORS SPONSORS GOLD TABLE SPONSORS Cook III you FSU CIT YThank FSUPANAMA PANAMA CIT Y you to our sponsors and supporters for your commitment to our st Cook Cook Cook Cook III III IIIIII commitment to our students and community Dr. Dr. James Dr. James James Dr. James Thank you to our sponsors and supporters for y CONTRACTORS CONTRACTORS CONTRACTORS CONTRACTORS Cook Cook Cook IIICook IIIIIIIII GOLD TABLE SPONSORS commitment to CONTRACTORS our students and community Thank GOLD TABL FSU PANAMA CIT Y CONTRACTORS FSU FSU PANAMA PANAMA CIT CIT Y Y you to our sponsors and supporters for your GOLD TABLE SPONSORS commitment to our students and community CONTRACTORS CONTRACTORS CONTRACTORS CONTRACTORS Dr. James Dr. James Thank you totoour sponsors and supporters forfor your Thank you our sponsors and supporters your Dr. James Thank you to our sponsors and supporters for your Cook III and Thank sponsors Thank you you to to our our sponsors and supporters supporters for for your your GOLD TABLE SPONSORS commitment totoCONTRACTORS our students and community Cook III CONTRACTORS CONTRACTORS CONTRACTORS commitment students and community commitment toour our students and community commitment commitment to to our our students students and and community community Cook III GOLD TABLE SPONSORS
Dr. James
NealNeal Neal Neal Thank you toyou ourour and supporters for your Thank Thank you to tosponsors our sponsors sponsors and and supporters supporters for for youryour CONTRACTORS GOLD SPONSORS GOLDTABLE TABLE SPONSORS & Leah & & Leah & Leah LeahIII Cook commitment to to our and community commitment commitment our tostudents our students students and and community community Dunn Dunn Dunn Dunn Dr. James
Dr. Dr. James James Cook Cook III III
GOLD TABLE SPONSORS GOLD GOLD TABLE TABLE SPONSORS SPONSORS
Neal
Th e James Walters Dr. James & Leah Dr. Dr. James Dunn family Cook III Cook Cook III III CONTRACTORS CONTRACTORS PCB Leasing Group
CONTRACTORS CONTRACTORS CONTRACTORS GARNET GARNET GARNET GARNET TABLE TABLE TABLE SPONSORS TABLE SPONSORS SPONSORS SPONSORS
The Walters family & Leah
PCB Development Development Development Development BoardBoard Board Board Leasing Member Member Member Ken Member Ayers Ken Ken Ayers Ken Ayers Ayers Neal Group
NET TABLE SPONSORS CONTRACTORS CONTRACTORS CONTRACTORS
Dunn
ent Board ment Board Ken KenAyers Ayers
GARNET TABLE SPONSORS
Member Ken Ayers
PCB PCB PCB PCB Leasing Leasing Leasing Leasing Group Group Group Group
CONTRACTORS
PCB PCB PCB
Development Board Member Ken Ayers
GARNET GARNET GARNET TABLE TABLE TABLE TABLE SPONSORS SPONSORS SPONSORS SPONSORS TheTh Walters Th e Walters e Walters Th eGARNET Walters family family family family
Development DevelopmentBoard Board Dunn Neal Member MemberKen KenAyers Ayers David David David David Lovett Lovett Lovett Lovett with with with with & Leah GARNET GARNET GARNET TABLE TABLE SPONSORS TABLE SPONSORS SPONSORS GARNET TABLE SPONSORS PCB Th e Walters Dunn Leasing Group
Group GroupGroup
David David Lovett David Lovett with Lovett with with with David Lovett
Law Firm Law Law Firm Law ofFirm Firm of of of Zachary Zachary Zachary VanDyke Zachary VanDyke VanDyke VanDyke
Development Member Ken Ayers Board Member KenKen Ayers Member Ayers
Law Firm of GARNET TABLE SPONSORS GARNET GARNET TABLE TABLE SPONSORS SPONSORS
David DavidLovett Lovettwith with
TABLE SPONSORS The Walters
GARNET TABLE SPONSORS ThTh e Walters eTh Walters e Walters GARNET TABLE SPONSORS GARNET TABLE SPONSORS family family family Development BoardDavid Lovett with Development Board
Leasing GARNET SPONSORS GARNETTABLE TABLE SPONSORS Leasing Leasing
Zachary VanDyke
Th Th Th eTh eWalters eWalters eWalters Walters family family family family
PCB PCBPCBPCB Leasing Leasing Leasing Leasing Neal Group Group Group Group Development Development Development Development Board Board Board Board & Leah Member Member Member Member Ken Ken Ken Ayers Ken Ayers Ayers Ayers
Development Development Development BoardBoard Board Development Board
Neal Neal GARNET && Leah PCB Leah & Leah Dunn Leasing Dunn Dunn Group
Neal Neal & &Leah Leah Dunn Dunn CONTRACTORS
David Lovett with David Lovett with David Lovett with
PCB PCB Leasing Leasing Group Group
CONTRACTORS
family PCB ThTh eTh Walters PCB e Walters LeasingPCB eDevelopment WaltersBoard Leasing Member Ken Ayers Leasing Group family Group family Group GARNET TABLE SPONSORS family
Th TheeWalters Walters David Lovett with family family
PCB Neal NealNeal PCB Leasing Leasing & Leah & Leah & LeahGroup Group Dunn Dunn Dunn
evelopment Board Development Development BoardBoard
Dr. James Cook III
DavidDavid Lovett David David Lovett with Lovett Lovett with with with Member Member Ken Member Ayers KenKen Ayers Ayers Member Ken Ayers Neal
Neal Neal & &Leah Leah d Lovett with Dunn Dunn Development Board
Law Firm of Zachary VanDyke
GOLD TABLE SPONSORS GOLD TABLE SPONSORS GOLD TABLE SPONSORS
NealNealNeal Dr. Dr.James James &Neal Leah & Leah & Leah & Leah Cook III PCB PCB PCB PCB GOLD TABLE SPONSORS Cook IIIIII TheTh Th Walters eTh eWalters eWalters Walters Cook Dunn Dunn Dunn Dunn Leasing Leasing Leasing Leasing Group Group Group Group family family family family
CONTRACTORS
Neal Neal Neal Neal &&Leah &Leah &Leah Leah Dunn Dunn Dunn Dunn
Neal GARNET GARNETTABLE TABLESPO SPO & Leah Dunn
family
PCB Leasing Group
GARNET TABLE SPONSORS
PCB Leasin David DavidLovett Lovettwith with Group
The Walters GARNET TAB family
Development Board Member Ken Law Law Law Firm Law Firm Firm Firm ofof ofofAyers Zachary Zachary Zachary Zachary VanDyke VanDyke VanDyke VanDyke
GARNET TABLE SPONSORS
David Lovett wiZ
Development Board David Lovett with Member Ken Ayers
Law Firm LawLaw of Firm Firm of Firm of of Law Zachary Zachary VanDyke Zachary VanDyke VanDyke Zachary VanDyke
David Lovett with
PC.FSU.EDU
Law Firm of Zachary VanDyke
41
SEMINOLE SIGHTINGS
FSU PC GOLF INVITATIONAL H O M B R E G O L F C LU B M A R C H 1 6, 2 0 1 8
1. Paul Cristo, Roberto Ayuayo 2. Mark Branstetter, Kurt Unglaub, Jim Slonina, Kevin Thompson, Andrew Rowell 3. Kara Powell, Tina Pope, Sharon Hamilton, Stephanie Roberts 4. Dustin Stokesbary, Scott Campbell, Matt Duncan, Brut Campbell 5. John Mercer, Bill Husfelt, Kevin Daniels and Ty Johnson. 6. Mike Nichols, Darren Golema, Bobby Bowden, Stacey Williams, Frank Hall
2
1
4
5
42
TORCH
3
6
SEMINOLE SIGHTINGS
LET'S DO BRUNCH FSU PA N A M A C I T Y J U LY 20, 2 0 1 8
1. Guest speaker Nanette Hitchcock, 2. Olivia Wesel 3. Kimberly Leath 4. Lenora Holmen-Warriner and Shirley Jackson 5. Michaelean Stewart, Caitie Higginbotham, Casey Lathem, Kasey Killebrew, Lois Collier and Kelly Lathem 6. Sara Backus 7. Sabara Quinn, Suzanne Remedies and Margie Mazur 8. Courtney Calhoun, Helen Adami, Susan Fuder 9. Let's Do Brunch attendees
1
2
3
5
4
7
6
8 S AV E T H E D A T E
9
let ' s do brunch Friday, July 17, 2019
PC.FSU.EDU
43
$
10M REASONS TO CELEBRATE
On June 30, 2018, FSU Panama City crossed the finish line of the $10 million fundraising campaign, our part of the $1 billion “Raise the Torch” campaign for Florida State University. With the original fundraising goal set to $5 million, the goal was doubled after reaching the goal six years into the eight-year campaign. Throughout the campaign, FSU Panama City saw a 10% annual growth percentage rate in the number of new donors per year. Proving that small gifts can make a huge impact,
88% of the 3,694 gifts received were less than $1,000. The generous support of our donors, alumni and students are the reason we not only hit the original goal, but decided to double it. Funds raised continue to support scholarships, academic programs and campus initiatives. Florida State University as a whole raised more than $1 billion in gifts and pledges successfully completing the most ambitious fundraising campaign in university history.
SMALL GIFTS; MAJOR IMPACT
NEW INITIATIVES; NEW DONORS
Of the 3,694 gifts received during the campaign
32% increase in number of unique donors per year (FY 2011 compared to FY 2018)
3,250
88% were less than $1,000
52% increase
GIFTS MEETING CAMPUS NEEDS GIFT TYPE 2%
FUNDS PURPOSE
in new donors per year (FY 2011 compared to FY 2018)
27%
5% annual growth
2%
25% 41%
61% 12%
30%
Planned Gifts Cash Pledge Stock/Property Gift-In-Kind/Other
scholarships academic programs other restricted purposes
percentage rate from beginning of campaign to end in unique donors per year
10% annual growth percentage rate from beginning of campaign to end in new donors per year
“Raise the Torch” campaign stats for Florida State University Panama City
44
TORCH
After surpassing the original $5 million goal, we upped the ante, raising our goal to
10,000,000
$
ENDOWMENT GROWTH
LARGEST GIFT IN CAMPUS HISTORY
3M
$ 51%
SINCE FY11
Planned gift from Bob and Judy Fleming could provide scholarship aid to as many as
90 students per year STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
2M
$
in scholarships awarded
+
90+
additional scholarships awarded
+
36% increase in scholarships
Approximately $250,000 in scholarships have been awarded
MORE IMPACT FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
12 NEW PROGRAMS UNDERGRADUATE > Commercial Entrepreneurship > Crime Scene Investigation > Hospitality & Tourism Management > Law Enforcement Intelligence > Law Enforcement Operations > Mechanical Engineering > Recreation, Tourism & Events
Through the STEM Institute, more than
2,000 K-12 STUDENTS
&
200
EDUCATORS
have learned more about STEM subjects
CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS New and expanded spaces better serve our students and community: > The John S. and Gail W. Robbins Center for Academic Excellence and Innovation includes the Digital Design Studio, a virtual reality zone and study rooms
> The Early Childhood Autism Program (ECAP) has expanded to include a parent resource center, an indoor playground fun zone and private therapy rooms
GRADUATE > Nurse Anesthesia > Law Enforcement Intelligence > Systems Engineering
CERTIFICATE > Law Enforcement Intelligence (graduate) > Special Events (undergraduate)
PC.FSU.EDU
45
Love FINDING
at FSU PANAMA CITY
46
TORCH
Photo by Megan Morse Photography meganmorsephotography.com
’NOLE NOTES
“(FSU Panama City) is where we met, fell in love, got engaged and where I spent the best years of my life.” — Alessandra (Feria) Turner ’17, crime scene investigation
by:
Erin Chaffin
F
lorida State University Panama City holds a special place in the hearts of Alessandra (Feria) Turner ’17 and Josh Turner ’17. It’s the place where they met, fell in love, became engaged and were married. While both received their degrees in public safety and security, Alessandra majored in crime scene investigation and Josh majored in law enforcement intelligence. The pair officially met while working on their minor in underwater crime scene investigation (UCSI). For Alessandra, it was the bond of having an unusual car that began it all. While taking UCSI classes, both parked in the lot near the dive locker. “I drive an orange Toyota FJ Cruiser, which isn’t a common car,” Alessandra said. “I noticed a tan FJ Cruiser in the lot, so immediately my interest was piqued. I began parking next to it every day trying to get a glimpse of the mystery owner.” Through a friend, she discovered the owner’s last name was Turner and he was a member of the Scuba Hyperbaric and Recreational Club (SHARC) dive club. “I went to a SHARC meeting to figure it out,” Alessandra said. “I remember walking in and being immediately drawn to Josh, not even knowing who he was.” The next semester they were paired together to work on dive logs for (CJE 4736) Scientific Underwater Investigation. After their first assignment, Josh asked Alessandra to dinner and a movie. “From then on, I was hooked,” Josh said.
After two and a half years of dating, Josh proposed on March 3, 2018, the day after Alessandra’s 21st birthday. With their puppy Penny by his side, he asked her to marry him on the back dock of FSU Panama City while their family hid behind the Bayside Building. Josh’s proposal took Alessandra completely by surprise. “I was tricked into thinking I was going to a job interview, which I almost backed out of,” Alessandra said. “I had no idea what was going on until he was down on one knee, which I barely remember because I was crying so much.” With plans to wed at a different location, Alessandra knew from the beginning she wanted to be married at FSU Panama City. “It’s where we met, fell in love, got engaged and where I spent the best years of my life,” Alessandra said, when talking about the decision to have her wedding on campus. The small, intimate wedding was held on May 27, 2018, and consisted of the couple’s closest friends and family. “I was lucky enough to marry by best friend and love of my life,” Josh said. “I am beyond blessed to have Alessandra as my wife through whatever our future may hold.” Post-graduation, Josh works for the family business, Multiaqua, Inc., in South Carolina. Alessandra recently coordinated FSU Panama City STEM Institute’s Fun with Forensics: CSI Camp, a summer camp for middle school students. The couple welcomed their first child, Avianna Rey, in October. PC.FSU.EDU
47
’NOLE NOTES 'Nole Notes is your chance to tell other alumni what you have been doing since you left Florida State University Panama City. It can be a simple one-liner about your career, move, marriage or births, or something unusual that you have done. We love to hear about your achievements, send your story to alumni@pc.fsu.edu. Be sure to include your name, major and graduation year.
2000s
LULU ORANGE TYSON, ’03 (B.S. communication) and her
husband were featured in the HGTV’s House Hunters episode “Gowns and Crowns in Florida” which originally aired Oct. 10, 2017. She also won the Mrs. Corporate America 2017 and was awarded the franchise for Miss Universe 2017 US Virgin Islands pageant. She was published in the history book “The Torchbearers of a Legacy: A History of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.” which will be on display at the National Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Lulu was introduced to pageantry at FSU Panama City when she won the Miss Congeniality and Community Service Award as part of the Miss Panama City pageant.
48
TORCH
CRYSTAL (QUIMET) MCHENRY, ’08 (B.S. professional communication, minor recreation, tourism and events) married
Ian McHenry on April 7, 2018. In the past year, she moved to Detroit, Michigan, and started a new role as a customer success coach for the software startup company Ambassador. She and Ian recently purchased their first home in metro-Detroit.
JESSICA MILAM, ’09 (B.S. communication)
Since graduating, has worked for a commercial construction association, met her husband, had her first child and moved to Louisiana for her work and had a daughter. “Proud ’Noles out here in LA!!!”
’NOLE NOTES
2010s BRITTANY COLE, ’11 (B.S. professional communication, minor recreation, tourism and events)
joined the team at Hope Radiation Cancer Center as the marketing and physician liaison. Brittany recently won an Associated Press Award for her production in covering breast cancer stories in our community with WJHG-TV.
LISA A. (NIXON) MABRY, ’11, ’13 (B.S. professional communication, M.S. applied American politics and policy)
SHANNON SHEIBE, ’09, ’10 (B.S. professional communication, M.S. corporate and public communication)
recently became a marketing automation specialist at Black Knight in Jacksonville, Florida. CHRISTIAN N. SULLIVAN, ’12 (B.S. business administration)
completed a judicial externship with the Honorable Shane R. Vann of Bay County while earning a J.D. degree from Barry University School of Law in 2017. She accepted a position at Pope & Barloga, P.A. in November 2017.
founded Lisa Nixon Mabry Communications in May 2012, where she is the chief executive officer and communications director. She married Patrick Mabry on Dec. 10, 2016. Her photograph “Cape San Blas Sunset” received an honorable mention, architecture category and her photograph “Birds of a Feather” received a merit award, nature/ flora category at the Panama City Center for the Arts F:/Stop North Florida Competition and Exhibit held Sept. 1, 2018.
HEATHER REGISTER, ’13 (B.S. recreation, tourism & events) and husband ETHAN REGISTER, ’15 (B.S. business administration) were married
Nov. 13, 2013. They have two daughters Addelyn Faith (3) and Blakely Marie (1 in January). Heather is the guest activities/ social media manager for Holiday Inn Resort & Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Panama City Beach. Ethan is the general manager for Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Panama City Beach.
ADRIAN BROWNING, ’14 (B.S. social science interdisciplinary, minor in education) is currently a third
grade teacher at Cedar Grove Elementary. She married Perry Baxley of Panama City on Oct. 6, 2018. She also received her master’s degree from the American College of Education in Educational Leadership in February 2017.
PC.FSU.EDU
49
’NOLE NOTES
MICHAELEAN STEWART, ’14 (B.S. professional communication)
was named to the Destinations International 2018 30 Under 30 class. Michaelean has worked for Visit Panama City Beach since 2015 and is currently their interactive marketing manager.
TAYLOR (DORROUGH) MADISON, ’15, ’17 (B.S. business administration, corporate and public communication) married JEFFERY MADISON, ’15 (B.S. business administration) on
Sept. 30, 2017. Taylor is an account manager at Affordable Home Insurance and Jeffery is an accountant at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort.
SARINA Di CALOGERO, ’17 (M.S. corporate and public communication)
began a development fellowship at The Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C., in September 2018.
50
TORCH
FRANCISCO GARZA, JR, ’18 (B.S. elementary education) and JESSLYN McGOWIN, ’18 (B.S. social science interdisciplinary)
were recently engaged and accepted jobs as elementary school teachers at Oscar Patterson Elementary (Jesslyn) and Waller Elementary (Francisco).
’NOLE NOTES JESSICA KIM, ’14 (B.S. professional communication) moved
to San Francisco in March 2018 and is working for Delta Airlines as a security and administration coordinator for San Francisco and Seattle.
PATRICK STEWART, ’15 (B.S. recreation, tourism and events) was
recently elected to the 2018-2019 board of directors for the Florida Festivals and Events Association. Patrick is the sports marketing and special events coordinator for the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau.
ALEXANDRIA HALL, ’16, ’18 (B.S. elementary education, M.S. curriculum and instruction)
is a kindergarten teacher at University Academy in Panama City. She completed her master’s in curriculum and instruction in August 2018.
KELLIE (STOCKSTILL) GILMORE, ’18 (B.S. elementary education) was recently hired as a kindergarten teacher at Tommy Smith Elementary and celebrated her first anniversary with her husband Jessie.
DENISE BARIL ’18 (B.S.W. social work) and JUSTINE POWELL ’18 (B.S. professional
communication) received the President’s Undergraduate Humanitarian of the Year Award, a prestigious honor bestowed to one FSU student from each college for their exemplary commitment to service, in spring 2018. Baril (second from right) was recognized for her service work focusing on the homeless or borderline homeless through Community Outreach of Northwest Florida and First United Methodist Panama City Cold Night Shelter. She helped create the Cold Night Shelter with other members of the church and regularly serves as a shelter chaperone. Powell (second from left) represented FSU’s College of Applied Studies for her involvement in FSU Panama City Student Government Council, the Communication Club, Wigs For Kids and her church.
PC.FSU.EDU
51
52
TORCH
IN CELEBRATION: Graduating students raise their glasses at the Graduation Gala and Dean’s Toast held Friday, May 4. In his toast, Dean Randy Hanna said, “Tonight you celebrate; tomorrow you begin life as a college graduate. Armed with a degree from Florida State University, may you use your education to achieve your dreams and to make the world a better place to live. Congratulations to each of you, and best of luck in the next step of your journey. Cheers to the graduating class! Go ’ Noles!”
PC.FSU.EDU
53
Office of Advancement 4750 Collegiate Drive Panama City, FL 32405 pc.fsu.edu
“I think it’s important to help the community because it’s during difficult times that we need to band together to help each other in any way we can. One small act of kindness can completely change someone’s day. We are all in this together and we will get through this together.” — SGC President Justine Powell
IN THIS TOGETHER HELPING THOSE IN NEED AFTER MICHAEL Students, faculty and staff have faced many obstacles in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. Yet while struggling to put their lives together after the storm, they have found ways to come together and demonstrate the true character of a Florida State Seminole. Immediately after the storm, students, faculty and staff volunteered at Operation BBQ, an organization that provides meals to people impacted by natural disasters. They cut down trees and cleared debris from the yards of their fellow ’Noles and opened their homes to those who no longer had one. The “Seminole Tribe” took to the streets just days after the storm, going door to door in some of the hardest-hit areas to offer food and supplies, manpower or assistance with connecting those in need with other volunteer organizations. Even with classes back in session and weeks of coursework to make up, they have committed to continuing their efforts every weekend. “I think it’s important to help the community because it’s during difficult times that we need to band together to help each other in any way we can,” SGC President Justine Powell said. “One small act of kindness can completely change someone’s day. We are all in this together and we will get through this together.” Resilience and hope have been on full display since returning to campus after Hurricane Michael. The enrollment and success team helped clean debris from Lynn Haven Elementary School, the FSU PC Psychology Club volunteered at Trunk or Treat in Lynn Haven and campus staff worked with the Junior League of Panama City to distribute diapers to those in need. “We are extremely thankful for the opportunity to volunteer around our community,” Admissions Officer Mackenzie Masters said. In addition to helping the community, volunteer hours help the local government qualify for FEMA assistance. If you have volunteered, you can help reduce the amount of money your community will have to pay will have to pay in order to receive FEMA reimbursement. Visit your city or county website for more information.
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID
Panama City, FL Permit No. 79
Office of Advancement 4750 Collegiate Drive Panama City, FL 32405 pc.fsu.edu
“This is a resilient place. People here are extraordinarily resilient, and you are all an example of that.” — Florida State University President John Thrasher